MARSHALL — Soldiers from the area Minnesota National Guard unit will be deploying overseas this summer, the Minnesota National Guard said this week.

Around 70 soldiers from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 151 Field Artillery Regiment will deploy to the Middle East. They are expected to return home in May 2026.

A public pre-deployment ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday honoring the National Guard soldiers will be held at the Red Baron Arena and Expo, the Minnesota National Guard said in a news release. The ceremony will also be televised on Studio 1 TV, and streaming online.

“Our soldiers are prepared for and dedicated to this mission,” said Capt. Dan Meyer, Alpha Battery commander. “They bring with them a deep sense of duty and professionalism, strengthened by the support of their families and communities back home.”

Alpha Battery will be supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, a combined joint task force that helps partnered forces in the Middle East. Alpha Battery’s mission is to provide artillery fires in support of maneuvering ground units in the U.S. Central Command region, the National Guard news release said.

The deployment is part of a regularly scheduled rotation with the Iowa-based 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, the Minnesota National Guard said.

The soldiers being deployed come from 65 communities in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Michigan, the Minnesota National Guard said. They will first report to Fort Johnson, Louisiana, for a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation, followed by about four weeks of training.

“Going away ceremonies like this one are incredibly meaningful and emotional for the soldiers and their families,” said Carmen Brunsvold. She is the Montevideo-based Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist for the Minnesota National Guard.

“It’s a moment to pause, honor the commitment they are making, and remind our soldiers that when they deploy, they go with the love, support and encouragement of their entire community behind them and their families,” Brunsvold said.

Members of the public will be able to watch the pre-deployment ceremony on Spectrum channel 180, or Bluepeak channel 325.